2016

2016 is just about to be over.

No fireworks this year, just a simple visit to my grandma’s in the morning (as usual) and a simple saturdate with my dearest Chelsea at Gardens by the Bay.

Much has happened this year – exciting things that rocked the world, and smaller things in my life that remind me to count each day – and make each day count – and be thankful for the little things I have.

Started off the year with new eyes (post-Lasik)… knowing that it will be my final year in school, and ended school on a high note, with good results and a job secured long before graduation. My relationship with Chelsea keeps on getting better. My running year started off not knowing what to do, then deciding to try out pacing and giving back to the running community… Somehow as the year progressed, I broke my personal bests in almost all categories I can think of – from the 5k to the marathon (yes finally!). And managed to cover 2,000 km in between. More importantly though, I joined Running Department, and met a whole new bunch of people and made quite a few running buddies.

I’m extremely thankful for my family and friends who are there every step of the way. Life was tough at some points, for instance, when deadlines converge during my final semester, or when I did not know whether my grandma would recover from her stroke. When I was facing a running injury, or when I doubted my ability to succeed…

Every year as I look back, the memories may be blurry. Some may be more distinct than others. But when I think back I’m always filled with a deep sense of gratitude.

Happy new year everybody!

2013

2013. I cannot believe it has come to an end.

I’m typing this quick post, at 12am on the last day in 2013 in my hotel room in New York. 24 hours before I enter the new year (yeah, 13 hours behind Singapore!) Just wanna do a quick post on how the year has went by. 

Just when I thought 2012 was great, 2013 could probably blow it off its socks. It has been a year of new things. Just like 2012 – where going to university was a new experience for me. 2013 is a year marked mostly by my unforgettable semester on exchange at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Being a Tar Heel for four months was simply one of the best four-month periods I’ve ever had. It’s studying without the stress and pressure of needing to do well. It’s discovering new cultures and meeting new people and really finding out what keeps life ticking in a small university town in the United States. It’s about meeting new Singaporean friends and forming strong friendships through many exciting road trips. It’s about visiting new places and relearning things – things you think you may have known a long time ago.

It’s also a year of being blessed with the opportunity to travel. With not just my friends around the East Coast of the US – Richmond Virginia, Great Smokies, Atlanta, Miami, Orlando and Myrtle Beach, but also with Chelsea in Vancouver and the west coast of the US – Los Angeles, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, San Francisco, and also with my sister (and Chelsea) in New York and Toronto (with Philadelphia and Washington, DC to come in 2014). I’m so thankful for this opportunity to see the Western world.

Of course, the first half of 2013 has been superbly memorable too. From a very stressful second semester to working in Singapore Discovery Centre during the break, it was quite well spent. Most memorable times include spending many hours for Tembusu College’s (somewhat well regarded) Open Day, spending fewer hours for its Orientation, trying some new stuff as part of my commitments in the Tembusu College Students’ Committee, and some hours for my Bizad Club commitments.

So many things. Universal Studios in Singapore, Florida and Hollywood. Hikes in Singapore, and hikes in Carolina. Even hikes in San Fran near the Golden Gate Bridge. Runs, all 930km of them – some alone, some with friends, some in 30 degrees weather, and some in 8 degrees. Shooting rifles one year after ORD in the States. Catching the Script, Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson live in performance. Getting inspired by a group of awesome Tembusians for the Gobi march, and making new friends along the way. And having the opportunity to become closer with my dear friends, and family.

And of course, a year with my beloved girlfriend. Chelsea, I know you’re reading this! You know this, but thanks for an awesome year. It has been great spending it with you. 🙂

Above all, I’m more thankful than ever before for this year. It has been a year of me exceeding my own expectations, from academics (both in NUS and UNC) to life outside school. And for that, my heart is full of gratitude.

To an awesome 2014 to come! Happy new year everybody.